Method and system for a beam projector having an audio capability device

ABSTRACT

A method and system for a beam projector having an audio capability device. The beam projector includes a central processing unit integral with the beam projector, a memory portion coupled with the central processing unit and an audio recognition portion coupled with the central processing unit. In so doing, the audio recognition portion is used for recognizing audible commands for the beam projector.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of beam projectors, and moreparticularly to a method and system for a beam projector having an audiocapability device.

BACKGROUND ART

Beam projectors are used in media presentation environments such asbusiness meetings, home theaters and the like. In general, the beamprojector has taken the place of overhead projectors, slide projectors,and other devices used for showing visual presentations. For example, itis common in a meeting to connect a laptop or other computing system toa beam projector and then project a media presentation that everyone inthe room can observe (e.g., slideshow, video, real-time data, or thelike). In most multimedia type rooms, the beam projector is mounted onthe ceiling and hardwired to an outlet on the wall and a user connectstheir laptop with the hardwiring to utilize the beam projector.

However, multimedia rooms are cost prohibitive. Therefore, an officebuilding may have a few multimedia rooms but generally not all themeeting rooms will be multimedia rooms. Additionally, in thenon-multimedia rooms, it may also be necessary to view a visualpresentation. Therefore, a presenter may carry a portable beam projectorto ensure that they will be able to show the visual presentation even ifthey do not have access to a multimedia room.

Portable beam projectors also provide the ability for a presenter tohold a meeting in a location other than the multimedia room or even theoffice building. For example, the presentation may be shown at the backroom of a coffee shop, a restaurant, or any location that has a poweroutlet.

However, one drawback of beam projectors is the need to continuallychange the pages during a presentation. For example, during a slide typepresentation (or any presentation with changing items) the presentermust either use a second person to control the presentation or use adevice to manually move along the presentation (e.g., a mouse, keyboard,remote control, or the like). When using a device to manually move alongthe presentation, the presenter must continually move to a fixedlocation (e.g., the location of the keyboard or mouse, or a location atwhich the remote can act on the beam projector). This continualrelocation of a presenter and interrupting burden can often result in achoppy presentation with significant visual distraction for theaudience.

In order to alleviate the distraction of the audience, or due tohardware restrictions, in some presentations the manual input for thebeam projector is performed by a second person sitting in a differentlocation. In that case, the second person operates on voice commands orsignals given by the presenter. This can alleviate the visualdistraction of a presenter continually interacting with thepresentation, but can also result in miscues associated with the secondperson missing a command, or a signal, not paying attention, beingdistracted, or the like.

An additional drawback of a portable beam projector is the cooling timeafter the beam projector is turned off. For example, a standard beamprojector requires a long time delay (many minutes) of fan operationafter shutdown to allow bulb and optics to cool. For a mounted beamprojector hardwired to the building power, this may not be a concern.However, for a portable beam projector, it means that the presenter mustwait a long time delay (many minutes) after the visual presentation endsbefore he can unplug and pack-up the portable beam projector.

Beam projectors, both mounted and portable, also require an amount ofcooling during their operation. Specifically, the light-generatingsource of the beam projector gets extremely hot and requires a fan toprovide the cooling to maintain the life of the bulb. However, when thefan is operational, noise from the fan is loud enough to interfere withconversations. This problem is even more pronounced whenteleconferencing or video-conferencing is used during the presentation.In that case, the fan may provide negative feedback to the conferencingmicrophone causing disrupted reception for the off-site personnel.

In addition to the presentation and cooling issues discussed herein,beam projectors both mounted and portable also contain drawbacks withrespect to sharing, multiple presenters, and the like. For example,during a presentation the beam projector is a “dumb” device. That is, itfunctions as a monitor. In order to use the projector it must beconnected to a computing system. Therefore, not only must a presenterensure that a beam projector (e.g., mounted or portable) is present, thepresenter must also ensure that a computing system is available forconnection with the beam projector. In some cases, e.g., multimediarooms, the beam projector may be connected with a desktop computer. Inother cases, the user will have to hook a portable computer up to thebeam projector.

SUMMARY

A method and system for a beam projector having an audio capabilitydevice. The beam projector includes a central processing unit integralwith the beam projector, a memory portion coupled with the centralprocessing unit and an audio recognition portion coupled with thecentral processing unit. In so doing, the audio recognition portion isused for recognizing audible commands for the beam projector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for passively cooling a beamprojector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for actively and passively coolinga beam projector in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for actively and passively coolinga beam projector in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for actively and passively coolinga beam projector utilizing battery power in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for actively and passively cooling abeam projector in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a beam projector having data manipulationcapabilities in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a beam projector having data manipulationcapabilities and additional cooling system components in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary datamanipulator used in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for manipulating data in a beamprojector in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a beam projector having an audiocapability in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary audio capability deviceconfigured for use in a beam projector in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a beam projector having an audiocapability, data manipulation capabilities and additional cooling systemcomponents in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an exemplary audiocapabilities device used in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for a beam projector having an audiocapability in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the alternative embodiment(s)sof the present invention, a method and system for a beam projectorhaving an audio capability. While the invention will be described inconjunction with the alternative embodiment(s), it will be understoodthat they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments.On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the presentinvention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will berecognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without these specific details. In otherinstances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits havenot been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects ofthe present invention.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a system for passivelycooling a beam projector 100 in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. The following discussion will begin with adetailed description of the physical structure of the passive coolingbeam projector assembly. The discussion will then contain a detaileddescription of the operation of the active and passive cooling of thepresent beam projector assembly. Regarding the physical structure of thepresent beam projector assembly, for purposes of clarity, only a topview of the beam projector assembly 100 is shown in FIG. 1. In thepresent embodiment beam projector assembly 100 includes a beam projectorcase 110 providing both protection and mounting locations for thevarious internal beam projector components.

Referring still to FIG. 1, beam projector assembly 100 also includes alight-generating source 115 which projects the beam of light 117 fromthe beam projector assembly 100. In one embodiment, light-generatingsource 115 is the portion of the beam projector assembly 100 thatgenerates the most heat and is also the most susceptible to overheatingor temperature spikes. Importantly, as will be discussed in detailbelow, in one embodiment, light-generating source 115 requires a fairamount of cooling during and after utilization of the beam projectorassembly 100.

Beam projector assembly 100 also includes a passive cooling system 150.In one embodiment, passive cooling system 150 includes a fluid reservoir120, a heat pipe 125 and a thermal mass 130. In one embodiment, fluidreservoir 120 is proximal to the light-generating source 115. In FIG. 1,the fluid reservoir 120 is disposed partially surroundinglight-generating source 115. However, in another embodiment, the fluidreservoir 120 completely surrounds the light-generating source 115. Aswill be described in detail herein, fluid reservoir 120 is a portion ofpassive cooling system 150 utilized for providing the initial heatdissipation from the light-generating source 115. Heat pipe 125 isformed from a thermal material capable of transferring the higher energystate fluid from the fluid reservoir 120 to the thermal mass 130.Thermal mass 130 is a heat sink type device set apart from heatsusceptible components and capable of dissipating heat transferred fromthe light-generating source 115.

The heat from the light-generating source 115 is established with a lowenergy state fluid (e.g., a liquid) in the fluid reservoir 120 resultingin a portion of the low energy state fluid in the fluid reservoir 120 tochange into a higher energy state fluid (e.g., a gas or vaporizingfluid). The higher energy state fluid is then carried along the heatpipe 125 which is coupled with the fluid reservoir 120. When the higherenergy state fluid reaches the end of heat pipe 125, the higher energystate fluid returns to the low energy state by releasing the heat energyto the thermal mass 130. In so doing, the thermal mass 130 receives theheat generated by light-generating source 115 and utilizes standard heatsink methods (e.g., conduction and radiation of the heat over thesurface area of the thermal mass 130) to dissipate the heat receivedfrom the higher energy state fluid.

In beam projector assemblies not having a passive cooling system 150,the post utilization cooling time may require many minutes of additionalcooling prior to unplugging the beam projector assembly 100 (referred toherein as pack time). However, as will be described in detail herein,the utilization of embodiments of the present passive cooling system 150reduces the pack time of the beam projector assembly 100 to less than aminute. Although such times are provided here, embodiments of theinvention may provide results that are more or less than the timesstated herein. However, in each embodiment, the pack time is reducedwhen the passive cooling system 150 is utilized.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment for cooling a beam projector inwhich the beam projector assembly 200 is actively and passively cooled.That is, FIG. 2 incorporates an active cooling system (e.g., fan 210) toprovide additional airflow over the light-generating source 115. Inaddition, beam projector assembly 200 includes optional additional heatpipe 245 and optional additional thermal mass 240 for providing furtherheat dissipation for the light-generating source 115. For purposes ofbrevity and clarity each of the numerous possibilities of optionalpassive cooling systems 150 are not shown in the present Figures. It isalso appreciated that FIG. 1 may contain the optional additional heatpipe 245 and thermal mass 240.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment beam projector assembly300 also includes active and passive cooling systems. However, insteadof incorporating an active cooling system for providing increasedairflow around the light-generating source 115, active cooling systemfan 310 is used to provide an increased airflow across the thermal mass130 and/or optional thermal mass 140. In one embodiment, active coolingsystem fan 310 is a low speed fan providing airflow at a lower rate thanthat of fan 210 due to the increased surface area of the thermal mass310. Therefore, the noise generated by active cooling system fan 310 isreduced in comparison with fan 210.

With reference now to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, beam projector assembly400 includes both active cooling systems described herein. That is, beamprojector assembly 400 includes a fan 210 for providing increasedairflow around light-generating source 115 and also active coolingsystem fan 310 for providing increased airflow over thermal mass 130(and/or optional thermal mass 240). In addition, beam projector assembly400 includes battery 410. In one embodiment, battery 410 is a batterythat recharges when the beam projector assembly 400 is plugged into apower source (e.g., alternating current (AC) from a wall outlet) andruns any or all of the active cooling system fans (e.g., 210 and/or 310)when the beam projector assembly 400 is unplugged from the power source.In one embodiment, the battery 410 may operate the fan/s whenever thebeam projector assembly 400 is initially unplugged. In anotherembodiment, the battery 410 includes a thermal switch that activates thedischarge of the battery 410 when the light-generating source 115requires additional cooling. Although specific embodiments are shown inFIG. 1-4, it is understood that the embodiments of the invention arewell suited to various combinations of fans, heat pipes, thermal masses,and the like. More importantly, the present invention provides a methodand system for cooling a beam projector with a plurality of possibleembodiments and combinations of embodiments. Those embodiments describedherein are for purposes of clarity.

Use and Operation

The following is a detailed description of the use and operation of thepresent system and method for cooling a beam projector. With referenceagain to FIG. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention, a passivecooling method and system for a beam projector assembly 100 is shown.Specifically, the passive cooling system 150 is utilized to helpdissipate the heat generated by the light-generating source 115 bothduring operation of the beam projector assembly 100 and after use of thebeam projector assembly 100 until the light-generating source 115 issufficiently cooled.

In general, sufficiently cooled refers to the temperature at which thelight-generating source 115 will not be damaged if the cooling systemswere to stop operation. The method used for cooling light-generatingsource 115 to a sufficient temperature may be controlled by the type offluid utilized in passive cooling system 150. For example, as is wellknown in the art, the volatility of a fluid provides a directrelationship between the vapor point of the fluid and the temperature ofthe light-generating source 115.

In operation, the beam projector assembly 100 is connected to a powersource, for example, plugged into a wall outlet. The light-generatingsource 115 generates a beam of light 117 which is the “projection” seenby those watching the presentation. While the light-generating source115 is operational, heat is also generated as a by-product and the heatgenerated by the light-generating source 115 must be dissipated or thelight-generating source 115 will fail. Moreover, damage to thelight-generating source 115 even to include the reduction of life spanof the light-generating source 115 is not desirable due to theprohibitive cost associated with buying a replacement light-generatingsource 115.

In order to dissipate the heat, a passive cooling system 150 is used toremove the heat from the light-generating source 115. In general, thefluid reservoir 120 is filled with a fluid in a low energy state (e.g.,a liquid) having a vapor point that is within the tolerances of theoperating temperature of light-generating source 115. Therefore, whenlight-generating source 115 reaches the vapor point temperature, the lowenergy state fluid in the fluid reservoir 120 begins to change to ahigher energy state fluid (e.g., a gas) thereby transferring, via theheat energy of vaporization, heat away from the light-generating source115. As is well known in thermodynamics, as long as a portion of thefluid in the fluid reservoir 120 remains in the low energy state (e.g.,liquid form), the temperature of the fluid reservoir will remain at orbelow the vapor point temperature of the fluid.

The higher energy state fluid generated in the fluid reservoir 120 thentraverses along the heat pipe 125 toward the thermal mass 130. The heatenergy contained in the higher energy state fluid is then released tothe thermal mass 130 when the higher energy state fluid (e.g., gas)returns to a lower energy state fluid (e.g., liquid) state. In so doing,the heat generated by the light-generating source 115 is transferredfrom the light-generating source 115 to the thermal mass 130. In oneembodiment, the heat pipe 125 is made from any number of materials knownin the art to provide a path for the higher energy state fluid to reachthe thermal mass 130. In one embodiment, thermal mass 130 is a heatsink. Additionally, in one embodiment thermal mass 130 contains ducting,fins, or the like to increase the surface area of thermal mass 130. Inaddition, thermal mass 130 and/or heat pipe 125 may be formed from athermally conductive metal such as aluminum, copper, gold, or the like.

Therefore, by utilizing the passive cooling system 150, the beamprojector assembly 100 may be operated without a cooling fan and theassociated fan noises. In addition, since the cooling system 150 ispassive, there is no need to wait for the beam projector assembly 100 tocool prior to pack up. Therefore, pack time is reduced since there is noneed to keep the beam projector assembly 100 plugged in after thepresentation is complete.

With reference now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a cooling fan 210 isadded to the beam projector assembly 200 and an additional optionalpassive cooling system 248 is shown. With respect to the additionaloptional passive cooling system 248, it is appreciated that it may alsobe added to FIG. 1. That is, there may be any number of passive coolingsystems of FIG. 1. The use of only one passive cooling system 150 ofFIG. 1 is merely for clarity.

Cooling fan 210 is used to provide additional airflow to thelight-generating source 115. In one embodiment, the cooling fan 210 hasa thermal switch that turns on the cooling fan 210 if the temperature ofthe light-generating source 115 reaches a certain temperature.Therefore, the cooling fan 210 may be intermittent. That is, the coolingfan 210 will remain inactive until the thermal switch is tripped atwhich point the cooling fan 210 will activate. Then, when thetemperature of the light-generating source 115 is lowered, the thermalswitch will trip again and the cooling fan 210 will be deactivated. Inso doing, even though the active cooling system (e.g., fan 210) is used,the overall noise of the beam projector assembly 200 is reduced sincethe fan 210 is of low speed or intermittent type. Moreover, the coolingfan 210 may act as a backup system to ensure that a problem with thepassive cooling system 150 (or optional cooling system 248) does notresult in a loss of light-generating source 115. In another embodiment,a plurality of cooling fans 210 is present.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, a cooling fan 310 isadded to the beam projector assembly 300, and the additional optionalpassive cooling system 248 is also shown. With respect to the additionaloptional passive cooling system 248, it is appreciated that it may beadded to any of the Figures. That is, there may be any number of passivecooling systems for FIG. 1, 2, 3, or 4. The use of only one passivecooling system 150 in FIG. 1 is merely for clarity.

Cooling fan 310 of FIG. 3 is used to provide additional airflow to thethermal masses (e.g., 130 and/or 240). In one embodiment, the coolingfan 310 has a thermal switch that turns on the cooling fan 310 if thetemperature of the thermal masses (e.g., 130 and/or 240) reaches acertain temperature. Therefore, the cooling fan 310 may be intermittent.That is, the cooling fan 310 will remain inactive until the thermalswitch is tripped at which point the cooling fan 310 will activate.Then, when the temperatures of the thermal masses (e.g., 130 and/or 240)are lowered, the thermal switch will trip again and the cooling fan 310will be deactivated. Therefore, even though the active cooling system(e.g., fan 310) is used, the overall noise of the beam projectorassembly 300 is reduced since the cooling fan 310 is intermittent and/orreduced speed. Moreover, in one embodiment the cooling fan 310 isoperated at a lower speed. That is, since the thermal masses (e.g., 130and/or 240) are larger surface area they dissipate heat more easily andtherefore only require a slower airflow. Thus, although a fan 310 may beoperational, it will not be as loud as fan 210 of FIG. 2, since fan 310is running at a lower speed. In another embodiment, a plurality ofcooling fans 310 is present.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a beam projector assembly 400 having abattery 410 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In addition, beam projector assembly 400 shows both coolingfans 210 and 310. However, it is appreciated that the battery 410 may beutilized in a beam projector assembly 400 having only one of the coolingfans (e.g., 210 or 310), or having a plurality of cooling fans 210and/or a plurality of cooling fans 310. In general, battery 410 isutilized to provide a source of power to the cooling fans 210 and/or 310when the primary power source (e.g., the wall outlet) is disconnected.For example, after operation, the beam projector assembly 400 isunplugged and packed away. During the packing away process, andafterward if necessary, the battery 410 will power the fans 210 and/or310 to ensure that the light-generating source 115 and/or thermal mass130 is sufficiently cooled.

Therefore, after a user completes a presentation, the user may simplypack-up the beam projector 400 without keeping the unit plugged in tothe primary power source to power the cooling fans 210 and/or 310. In sodoing, a user's pack time is more efficiently utilized and thelight-generating source 115 is not damaged by early removal from theprimary power source. In another embodiment, the battery 410 willprovide sufficient power to operate the fans 210 and/or 310 until thelight-generating source 115 is sufficiently cooled in the case of apower loss during operation. Thus, the passive cooling system 150 andbattery 410 are also valuable components of a mounted beam projectorassembly as well as a portable beam projector assembly.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a flowchart of a method for actively andpassively cooling a beam projector is shown in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. It is appreciated that theembodiments are well suited to both portable beam projector assembliesand mounted beam projector assemblies.

With reference still to FIG. 5, in one embodiment step 502 provides apassive cooling system 150 for a light-generating source 115 of the beamprojector assembly 400 of FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the passive coolingsystem 150 includes a fluid reservoir 120 proximal to thelight-generating source 115. In addition, the passive cooling system 150includes a heat pipe 125 coupled with the fluid reservoir 125.Furthermore, the passive cooling system 150 includes a thermal mass 130coupled with the heat pipe 125. In general, the thermal mass 130 is usedfor dissipating a heat energy transferred from the light-generatingsource 115 via the fluid in the fluid reservoir 120.

For example, as described in detail herein, the fluid reservoir 120 isproximal to the light-generating source 115 of the beam projector 400, aheat pipe 125 is connected with the fluid reservoir 120 and a thermalmass 130 is connected with the heat pipe 125. The fluid reservoir 120stores a low energy state fluid (e.g., a liquid) that changes to ahigher energy state fluid (e.g., a gas) when the fluid absorbs heatenergy generated by the light-generating source 115. The heat pipe 125then transmits the higher energy state fluid. The thermal mass 130receives and dissipates the heat energy which is released from thehigher energy state fluid when it returns to a low energy state in theproximity of the thermal mass 130.

In another embodiment, a second optional passive cooling system 248includes a heat pipe 245 coupled with the fluid reservoir 120 and athermal mass 240 coupled with the heat pipe 245. Thereby providing aplurality of both thermal masses and heat pipes. Furthermore, a lowspeed fan 310 may be utilized in conjunction with the passive coolingsystem 150 and/or 248 thereby providing increased airflow to the thermalmass 130 (and/or optional thermal mass 240) coupled with the heat pipe125 (and/or optional heat pipe 245).

Referring still to FIG. 5, in one embodiment step 504 provides an activecooling system (e.g., fan 210 and/or 310) for the light-generatingsource 115 of the beam projector 400 of FIG. 4, wherein the passivecooling system 150 and the active cooling system (e.g., fan 210 and/orfan 310) provide a combined cooling system for the light-generatingsource 115 of the beam projector 400. In one embodiment, the activecooling system includes a thermal mass (e.g., a heat sink such as fluidreservoir 120, light-generating source 115, or a separate heat sinkcoupled therewith) proximal to the light-generating source 115 and a fan210 for providing airflow across the thermal mass. In anotherembodiment, the active cooling system includes fan 310 for providingincreased airflow across the thermal mass 310 and any additional thermalmasses (e.g., thermal mass 240) of the passive cooling system 150.

In one embodiment, a battery 410 is provided for powering the activecooling system when the beam projector assembly 400 is unplugged from aprimary power source. The battery 410 may be used to power the coolingfan 210, cooling fan 310, or both cooling fan 210 and cooling fan 310.In addition, in order to maintain a charged battery 410, in oneembodiment, battery 410 is recharged when the beam projector assembly400 is plugged into a primary power source (e.g., an AC outlet).

Data Manipulation Capabilities

With reference now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of a beam projectorassembly 600 having data manipulation capabilities is shown inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, the beam projector assembly 600 includes a data manipulator610. In general, data manipulator 610 operates similar to a computingsystem within the beam projector assembly 600. In other words, the datamanipulator is capable storing and running an application, of receivingdata that is formatted for the application, and providing the output ofthe application (e.g., the slideshow, presentation, video, music, audio,or the like) via light-generating source 115. Therefore, in oneembodiment, the beam projector assembly 600 is not required to have acomputing system (e.g., a laptop, desktop, palm pilot, or the like)coupled therewith. That is, instead of needing a separate computingsystem to operate the beam projector and the beam projector simplyacting as a monitor or display for the separate computing system, thebeam projector 600 of the present embodiment, instead provides thefunctionality of the beam projector 600 in addition to the capabilitiesof data manipulation.

For example, beam projector 600 can receive input data from a storedformat (e.g., zip disk, flash media, wireless input, memory stick, orthe like) and provide a processor having the proper applications to openthe stored information and present the information via the beamprojector 600. In one embodiment, since the data is input from a storedformat, the data is not stored in the data manipulator 610. Instead, thedata is accessed by an application on the data manipulator 610 andpresented as a read only presentation. Therefore, a plurality ofpresentations (e.g., sets of input data) may be presented by the beamprojector 610 and none of the data from the input data (e.g., the flashmedia, etc.) will be stored by or on the beam projector 600. In anotherembodiment, the data manipulator 610 will be configured to store theinput data if the option to store the data is selected.

Therefore, in one embodiment, instead of having a separate computingsystem connected with the beam projector 600, the beam projector 600 canreceive the information from a storage device and operate withoutmaintaining a connection with a separate computing system. That is, thebeam projector 600 and specifically data manipulator 610 can manipulatethe stored data to sufficiently provide a presentation.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of a beam projector having datamanipulation capabilities and additional cooling system components isshown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Inother words, the beam projector assembly 700 includes both a datamanipulator 610 and a passive and/or active cooling system (e.g.,passive cooling system 150 and/or fans 210 and/or 310). In oneembodiment, the beam projector assembly 700 includes a data manipulator610 and the passive cooling system 150 including the fluid reservoir120, the heat pipe 125 and thermal mass 130.

As described herein, by utilizing the passive cooling system 150, thebeam projector assembly 700 may be operated without a cooling fan andthe associated fan noises. In addition, since the cooling system 150 ispassive, there is no need to wait for the beam projector assembly 700 tocool prior to pack up. Therefore, pack time is reduced since there is noneed to keep the beam projector assembly 700 plugged in after thepresentation is complete. In one embodiment, the addition of a passivecooling system 150 to the beam projector assembly 700 providesadditional cooling to solve any heating issues resulting from theoperation of data manipulator 610. That is, due to the increased coolingcapabilities provided by passive cooling system 150, the beam projectorassembly 700 can support the data manipulator 610 without detrimentalheating issues damaging the components of data manipulator 610.

In another embodiment, beam projector assembly 700 includes a coolingfan 210. In one embodiment, cooling fan 210 is used to provideadditional airflow to the light-generating source 115. In oneembodiment, the cooling fan 210 has a thermal switch that turns on thecooling fan 210 if the temperature of the light-generating source 115reaches a certain temperature. Therefore, the cooling fan 210 may beintermittent.

In yet another embodiment, beam projector assembly 700 includes acooling fan 310. Cooling fan 310 is used to provide additional airflowto the thermal mass 130. In one embodiment, the cooling fan 310 has athermal switch that turns on the cooling fan 310 if the temperature ofthe thermal mass 130 reaches a certain temperature. Therefore, thecooling fan 310 may be intermittent.

In another embodiment, beam projector assembly 700 includes a battery410. Battery 410 is provided for powering the active cooling system whenthe beam projector assembly 400 is unplugged from a primary powersource. The battery 410 may be used to power the cooling fan 210,cooling fan 310, or both cooling fan 210 and cooling fan 310. Inaddition, in order to maintain a charged battery 410, in one embodiment,battery 410 is recharged when the beam projector assembly 400 is pluggedinto a primary power source (e.g., an AC outlet). Although, there are aplurality of embodiments of beam projector assembly 700 describedherein, there are a plurality of embodiments and arrangements for beamprojector assembly 700 which are not described herein for purposes ofclarity but are understood as variations and combinations of theassemblies and embodiments described herein.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a block diagram of an embodiment of anexemplary data manipulator 610 used in accordance with the presentinvention is shown. Within the following discussions of the presentinvention, certain processes and steps are discussed that are realized,in one embodiment, as a series of instructions (e.g., software program)that reside within computer readable memory units of data manipulator610 and executed by a processor(s) of data manipulator 610. Whenexecuted, the instructions cause data manipulator 610 to performspecific actions and exhibit specific behavior that is described indetail herein.

Data manipulator 610 of FIG. 8 comprises an address/data bus 850 forcommunicating information, one or more central processors 830 coupledwith bus 850 for processing information and instructions. Centralprocessor unit(s) 830 may be a microprocessor or any other type ofprocessor. The data manipulator 610 also includes data storage featuressuch as a computer usable non-volatile memory unit 840 (e.g., read onlymemory, programmable ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.) coupledwith bus 850 for storing static information and instructions forprocessor(s) 830. Data manipulator 610 also includes one or more signalgenerating and receiving device(s) 820 coupled with bus 850 for enablingdata manipulator 610 to interface with other electronic devices and datastorage mediums (e.g., zip, flash, or the like). The signal generatingand receiving device 820 of the present embodiment may include wiredand/or wireless communication technology.

Optionally, data manipulator 610 may include a computer usable volatilememory unit 835 (e.g., random access memory, static RAM, dynamic RAM,etc.) coupled with bus 850 for storing information and instructions forcentral processor(s) 830. Data manipulator 610 can also include analphanumeric input device 860 including alphanumeric and function keyscoupled to the bus 850 for communicating information and commandselections to the central processor(s) 830. The data manipulator 610 caninclude an optional cursor control or cursor directing device 855coupled to the bus 850 for communicating user input information andcommand selections to the central processor(s) 830. The cursor-directingdevice 855 may be implemented using a number of well-known devices suchas a mouse, a track-ball, a track-pad, an optical tracking device, aremote control, and a laser pointer, among others. Alternatively, it isappreciated that a cursor may be directed and/or activated via inputfrom the alphanumeric input device 860 using special keys and keysequence commands. The present embodiment is also well suited todirecting a cursor by other means such as, for example, voice commands.

The data manipulator 610 of FIG. 8 may also include one or more optionalcomputer usable data storage devices 845 such as a magnetic or opticaldisk and disk drive (e.g., hard drive or floppy diskette) coupled withbus 850 for storing information and instructions.

With reference now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of a method for manipulatingdata in a beam projector is shown in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention.

Referring still to FIG. 9, in one embodiment step 902 provides a centralprocessing unit integral with the beam projector. As described herein,the central processing unit 830 of FIG. 8 is used to perform the datamanipulation. That is, in one embodiment, the central processing unit830 and the operating system thereon, can initiate applications, andmanipulate data to provide a viable presentation output for the beamprojector.

In one embodiment, step 904 provides a memory coupled with the centralprocessing unit. In one embodiment, the memory is non-volatile memory840 of FIG. 8 and is used to store the static information andinstructions for the central processing unit 830. In another embodiment,the memory coupled with the central processing unit 830 is computerusable volatile memory 835 (e.g., random access memory, static RAM,dynamic RAM, etc.) for storing information and instructions for centralprocessor(s) 830. In yet another embodiment, the memory coupled with theprocessing unit may be both volatile memory 835 and non-volatile memory840.

With reference still to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, step 906 provides asignal receiving portion coupled with the central processing unit, thesignal receiving portion for receiving data and providing the data tothe central processing unit such that the central processing unit of thebeam projector organizes the data into a viewable presentation withoutinput from a secondary computing device.

Thus, the method of flowchart 900 shows one embodiment for operating abeam projector without the beam projector being coupled with a laptop,palmtop, and/or desktop computing system. That is, the beam projector iscapable of being shared during a presentation by the introduction ofdata directly to the beam projector by the user. For example, whenutilizing the beam projector, the user introduces the data file to thebeam projector. The data on the data file is then processed via anapplication stored within the data manipulator 610 of beam projector 600(or 700). The result is a presentation that occurs with no secondarycomputer system connection to the beam projector. Therefore, sharing thebeam projector is simplified since a user only needs to introduce thedata to the data manipulator 610 of the beam projector 700 (or 600). Inone embodiment, the data may be introduced to the data manipulator 610as data signals received from a universal serial bus (USB) connection.In another embodiment, the data may be received by a blue tooth device,a smart media device, a PCMCIA device, a wireless 802.11a protocol, awireless 802.11b protocol, a wireless 802.11g protocol, a wirelessEthernet connection, a wired Ethernet connection, or the like. Forexample, in one embodiment, the beam projector has a port for receivingdata files on a stored media (e.g., Flash, or the like).

In another embodiment, the beam projector receives the data from awireless signal generating/receiving device 820. For example, the datamanipulator 610 will be a part of a wireless network. Therefore, a userwill be able to upload the data to the beam projector 600 from aplurality of nodes in the network (e.g., laptops, desktops, palmtops,mobile phones, or the like). However, unlike the standard use of a beamprojector wherein a computer system is linked with a network and thebeam projector acts only as a monitor for the computer system,embodiments of the invention allow the beam projector 600 (or 700 ofFIG. 7) to present the data on its own. Moreover, in one embodiment,since the data is introduced directly to the beam projector 600 from adata storage device (e.g., zip, flash memory, or the like), the datadoes not need to be stored on the data manipulator 610. Instead, thedata storage device provided by the user to the beam projector 600 (or700) acts as the memory for the data manipulator 610 and no data isstored or transferred. The data is only acted on by an applicationwithin the data manipulator 610. In so doing, a user can provide theirdata for presentation on beam projector 600 (or 700) without furthersecurity concern. In other words, the data will be read by theapplication but not stored, copied, or the like.

With reference still to FIG. 9 and now to FIG. 7, embodiments of theinvention provide a passive cooling system 150 for a light-generatingsource 115 of the beam projector 700. In one embodiment, the passivecooling system 150 includes a fluid reservoir 120 proximal to thelight-generating source 115 of the beam projector 700, the fluidreservoir 120 for storing a low energy state fluid that changes to ahigher energy state fluid when it absorbs a heat energy generated by thelight-generating source 115. The passive cooling system 150 alsoincludes a heat pipe 125 coupled with the fluid reservoir 120, the heatpipe 125 transmits the higher energy state fluid. The passive coolingsystem 150 additionally includes a thermal mass 130 coupled with theheat pipe 125, the thermal mass 130 for receiving and dissipating theheat energy released from the higher energy state fluid when it returnsto a lower energy state fluid.

In another embodiment, the beam projector assembly 700 includes anactive cooling system for the light-generating source 115 of the beam.The active cooling system includes a low speed fan 310 for increasingairflow to the thermal mass 130 coupled with the heat pipe 125. Inanother embodiment, the active cooling system includes a fan 210 forincreasing airflow across the light-generating source 115. In yetanother embodiment, the active cooling system includes both the fan 210for increasing airflow across the light-generating source 115 and thefan 310 for increasing airflow proximal the thermal mass 130. In anotherembodiment, the beam projector assembly 700 includes both the passivecooling system 150 and the active cooling system to provide a combinedcooling system for the beam projector assembly 700. In anotherembodiment, Beam projector assembly 700 also includes a battery 410 forpowering the active cooling system when the beam projector assembly 700is unplugged from a primary power source.

Audio Capabilities

With reference now to FIG. 10, a block diagram of a beam projectorhaving an audio capability is shown in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention. In general, the beam projector assembly 1000includes a case 110, a light generating source 115 and a light beam 117similar in function to that of FIGS. 1-4 and 6-7. In addition, beamprojector assembly 1000 includes an audio capability device 1010.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a block diagram of an exemplary audiocapability device 1010 configured for use in a beam projector is shownin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It isappreciated that the audio capability device 1010 is capable of use in aplurality of voice recognition environments, the use of the audiocapability device 1010 in conjunction with a beam projector assembly(e.g., beam projector assembly 1000) is merely an example of one of theplurality of devices with which audio capability device 1010 iscompatible. In one embodiment, audio capability device 1010 includes anaudio command receiving portion 1115 configured to receive beamprojector control commands such as audio input 1105. Audio capabilitydevice 1010 also includes an audio recognition portion 1125 capable ofrecognizing audio commands. Audio capability device 1010 also includes acentral processing unit interface 1135 for causing the beam projectorassembly 1000 to perform the audio commands. Audio capability device1010 additionally includes an audio generating portion 1145 coupled withthe central processing unit interface 1135 which is configured togenerate an audio signal for use as an audio output 1155 of said beamprojector assembly 1000 for a sound system (e.g., speaker on the beamprojector assembly 1000, speaker coupled with the beam projectorassembly 1000 or the like).

By utilizing the central processing unit, the audio capability device1010 is capable of directing a device to perform the operationsrecognized by the audio recognition portion 1125. That is, the audioinput 1105 is passed by the audio command receiving portion 1115 to theaudio recognition portion 1125 which then passes the recognized commandto the central processing unit interface 1135 which then acts on thecommand. In one embodiment, the audio recognition portion 1125 providesa method of controlling the beam projector assembly 1000 using voicecommands. For example, a user may activate the beam projector assembly1000 by providing an audio input 1105 such as “on.” In anotherembodiment, a user may change the performance of beam projector assembly1000 during a presentation by providing the audio input 1105 “next”,“back”, “previous”, “skip”, “skip two”, “back four”, “pause”, “re-sync”,“reset” or the like. In addition, the user may provide audio input 1105to the beam projector assembly 1000 which may also include otherdirections. The listing of the commands herein is merely illustrativeand should not be deemed comprehensive.

In another embodiment, the audio capability device 1010 includes anaudio generating portion 1145 capable of generating audible outputs1155. For example, outputs for the beam projector assembly 1000. Theaudible outputs 1155, in one embodiment, are status information (e.g.,in one embodiment, pertaining to the beam projector assembly 1000). Forexample, the audible output 1155 generated by the audio generatingportion 1145 is related to light-generating source 115. That is, theaudible output 1155 will provide the status of light-generating source115, e.g., early, midlife, late in life, imminent failure, failure, orthe like. In another embodiment, the audible output 1155 generated bythe audio generating portion 1145 specifies data transfer or displayerrors in input or output with respect to the projector, low batterystate, light condition, optics, processor errors, other componenterrors, failures, or the like.

With reference still to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the audio capabilitydevice 1010 may contain only the audio recognition portion 1125 and thecentral processing unit interface 1135. In another embodiment, the audiocapability device 1010 may contain only the audio generating portion1145 and the central processing unit interface 1135. In yet anotherembodiment, the audio capability device 1010 may contain both the audiorecognition portion 1125 and the audio generating portion 1145 coupledwith the central processing unit 1135. In that case, the beam projectorassembly 1000 is capable of both receiving verbal input and alsoproviding audible output.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a block diagram of a beam projectorhaving audio capability device 1010, data manipulation capabilities 610and additional cooling system components is shown in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. In other words, the beam projectorassembly 1200 includes audio capability device 1010, a data manipulator610 and a passive and/or active cooling system (e.g., passive coolingsystem 150 and/or fans 210 and/or 310). In one embodiment, the passivecooling system 150 including the fluid reservoir 120, the heat pipe 125and thermal mass 130.

As described herein, by utilizing the passive cooling system 150, thebeam projector assembly 1200 may be operated without a cooling fan andthe associated fan noises. In addition, since the cooling system 150 ispassive, there is no need to wait for the beam projector assembly 1200to cool prior to pack up. Therefore, pack time is reduced since there isno need to keep the beam projector assembly 1200 plugged in after thepresentation is complete. In one embodiment, the addition of a passivecooling system 150 to the beam projector assembly 1200 providesadditional cooling to solve any heating issues resulting from theoperation of audio capability device 1010. That is, due to the increasedcooling capabilities provided by passive cooling system 150, the beamprojector assembly 1200 can support the audio capability device 1010,and if so configured the data manipulator 610, without detrimentalheating issues damaging the components of the audio capability device1010 and/or data manipulator 610.

In another embodiment, beam projector assembly 1200 includes a coolingfan 210. In one embodiment, cooling fan 210 is used to provideadditional airflow to the light-generating source 115. In oneembodiment, the cooling fan 210 has a thermal switch that turns on thecooling fan 210 if the temperature of the light-generating source 115reaches a certain temperature. Therefore, the cooling fan 210 may beintermittent.

In yet another embodiment, beam projector assembly 1200 includes acooling fan 310. Cooling fan 310 is used to provide additional airflowto the thermal mass 130. In one embodiment, the cooling fan 310 has athermal switch that turns on the cooling fan 310 if the temperature ofthe thermal mass 130 reaches a certain temperature. Therefore, thecooling fan 310 may be intermittent.

In another embodiment, beam projector assembly 1200 includes a battery410. Battery 410 is provided for powering the active cooling system whenthe beam projector assembly 400 is unplugged from a primary powersource. The battery 410 may be used to power the cooling fan 210,cooling fan 310, or both cooling fan 210 and cooling fan 310. Inaddition, in order to maintain a charged battery 410, in one embodiment,battery 410 is recharged when the beam projector assembly 1200 isplugged into a primary power source (e.g., an AC outlet). Although,there are a plurality of embodiments of beam projector assembly 1200described herein, there are a plurality of embodiments and arrangementsfor beam projector assembly 1200 which are not described herein forpurposes of clarity but are understood as variations and combinations ofthe assemblies and embodiments described herein.

With reference still to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, the audiorecognition portion is used to request the status of the beam projectorassembly 1200 and any of its components. For example, the user requeststhe temperature of the fluid reservoir 120, the status of battery 410,the temperature of thermal mass 130, the temperature of light-generatingsource 115, the status of data manipulator 610, or any other componentsof the beam projector assembly 1200.

Furthermore, by utilizing the audio generating portion of the audiocapability device 1010, the beam projector assembly 1200 can audiblyanswer the status request. However, in another embodiment, the beamprojector assembly 1200 answers the questions with a visualrepresentation on the screen, or on a visual display mounted on the beamprojector assembly 1200, or on a secondary computer system. For example,in one embodiment, a user will make an audio status request (e.g., audioinput 1105), and the beam projector assembly 1200 will respond with anoutput directed to the users handheld computing device.

With reference now to FIG. 13, a block diagram of an embodiment of anexemplary audio capability device 1010 used in accordance with thepresent invention is shown. Within the following discussions of thepresent invention, certain processes and steps are discussed that arerealized, in one embodiment, as a series of instructions (e.g., softwareprogram) that reside within computer readable memory units of audiocapability device 1010 and executed by a processor(s) of audiocapability device 1010. When executed, the instructions cause audiocapability device 1010 to perform specific actions and exhibit specificbehavior that is described in detail herein.

Audio capability device 1010 of FIG. 13 comprises an address/data bus1350 for communicating information, one or more central processors 1135coupled with bus 1350 for processing information and instructions.Central processor unit(s) 1135 may be a microprocessor or any other typeof processor. The audio capability device 1010 also includes datastorage features such as a computer usable non-volatile memory unit 1340(e.g., read only memory, programmable ROM, flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM,etc.) coupled with bus 1350 for storing static information andinstructions for processor(s) 1135. Audio capability device 1010 alsoincludes one or more signal generating and receiving device(s) 1320coupled with bus 1350 for enabling audio capability device 1010 toreceive and generate audio signals.

Optionally, audio capability device 1010 may include a computer usablevolatile memory unit 1335 (e.g., random access memory, static RAM,dynamic RAM, etc.) coupled with bus 1350 for storing information andinstructions for central processor(s) 1135. The audio capability device1010 of FIG. 13 may also include one or more optional computer usabledata storage devices 1345 such as a magnetic or optical disk and diskdrive (e.g., hard drive or floppy diskette) coupled with bus 1350 forstoring information and instructions.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart of a method for a beam projectorhaving an audio capability device 1010 is shown in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

Referring still to FIG. 14, in one embodiment step 1402 provides acentral processing unit 1135 integral with the beam projector assembly1000. As described herein, the central processing unit 1135 of FIG. 11is used to perform the audio capabilities. That is, in one embodiment,the central processing unit 1135 and the operating system thereon, caninitiate applications, and manipulate data to provide a viablepresentation output for the beam projector based on an audio input 1105.

In one embodiment, step 1404 provides a memory coupled with the centralprocessing unit. In one embodiment, the memory is non-volatile memory1340 of FIG. 13 and is used to store the static information andinstructions for the central processing unit 1135. In anotherembodiment, the memory coupled with the central processing unit 1135 iscomputer usable volatile memory 1335 (e.g., random access memory, staticRAM, dynamic RAM, etc.) for storing information and instructions forcentral processor(s) 1135. In yet another embodiment, the memory coupledwith the processing unit may be both volatile memory 1335 andnon-volatile memory 1340.

With reference still to FIG. 14, in one embodiment, step 1406 providesan audio generating portion 1145 coupled with the central processingunit 1135, wherein the audio generating portion 1145 for providingaudible output for status information of the beam projector assembly1000. In another embodiment, the audio capability device 1010 alsoinclude an audio recognition portion 1125 coupled with the centralprocessing unit 1135, the audio recognition portion 1125 for recognizingaudible commands (e.g., audio input 1105) for the beam projectorassembly 1000.

Thus, the method of flowchart 1400 shows one embodiment for an audiocapabilities device 1010 coupled with the beam projector assembly 1200that provides a method for receiving (e.g., audio command receivingportion 1115) and acting on verbal input (e.g., audio input 1105) tobeam projector assembly 1000 (or 1200). In another embodiment, an audiocapabilities device 1010 coupled with the beam projector assembly 1000(or 1200) provides a method for generating audio output 1155 from thebeam projector assembly 1000 (or 1200). In yet another embodiment, amethod for receiving (e.g., audio command receiving portion 1115) andacting on verbal input (e.g., audio input 1105) to beam projectorassembly 1100 (or 1200) and generating audio output 1155 from beamprojector assembly 1100 (or 1200) is provided.

Therefore, embodiments provide the ability for a user to provide averbal cue or command (e.g., audio input 1105) to the beam projectorassembly 1100 (or 1200) and therefore remove the need for a second userto physically interact with the beam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200)during a presentation. For example, instead of a presenter saying “next”and waiting for a second person to select the command, the beamprojector assembly 1100 (or 1200) will act on the command “next”, or“on”, or the like. It is appreciated that the command may be any verbalcommand, the use of the term “next” or “on” are stated for purposes ofclarity.

In another embodiment, by utilizing verbal commands to interact with thebeam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200), the presenter need not try tofind a location to access a remote, button, mouse, or any other devicefor interacting with the beam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200).Instead, the presenter simply states a command and the beam projectorassembly 1100 (or 1200) will respond. It is also appreciated that thebeam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200) may be a device used in apersonal environment and therefore, instead of a presenter, it may justbe a user interacting with the beam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200).For example, the beam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200) may be used as apersonal monitor or television, and the user may command the televisionor monitor to turn on, change channel, change the contrast, brightness,sleep settings, picture-in-picture, zoom, format, or the like. In otherwords, the beam projector assembly 1100 (or 1200) may be used in aplurality of environments and for a plurality of reasons and as such,the audio capabilities 1010 may provide a large and/or variable amountof features, controls, outputs, or the like.

Referring still to FIG. 14 and FIG. 12, in another embodiment beamprojector assembly 1200 provides a signal receiving portion coupled withthe central processing unit, the signal receiving portion for receivingdata and providing the data to the central processing unit such that thecentral processing unit of the beam projector organizes the data into aviewable presentation without input from a secondary computing device.In one embodiment, this enables the operation of the beam projectorassembly 1200 without the beam projector assembly 1200 being coupledwith a laptop, palmtop, and/or desktop computing system. That is, thebeam projector assembly 1200 is capable of being shared during apresentation by the introduction of data directly to the beam projectorassembly 1200 by the user.

For example, when utilizing the beam projector assembly 1200, the userintroduces the data file to the beam projector assembly 1200. The dataon the data file is then processed via an application stored within thedata manipulator 610 of beam projector 1200. The result is apresentation that occurs with no secondary computer system connection tothe beam projector. Therefore, sharing the beam projector assembly 1200is simplified since a user only needs to introduce the data to the datamanipulator 610 of the beam projector assembly 1200. In one embodiment,the data may be introduced to the data manipulator 610 as data signalsreceived from a universal serial bus (USB) connection. In anotherembodiment, the data may be received by a microphone, a blue toothdevice, a smart media device, a PCMCIA device, a wireless 802.11aprotocol, a wireless 802.11b protocol, a wireless 802.11g protocol, awireless Ethernet connection, a wired Ethernet connection, or the like.For example, in one embodiment, the beam projector has a port forreceiving data files on a stored media (e.g., Flash, or the like).

In another embodiment, the beam projector receives the data from awireless signal generating/receiving device 1320. For example, the datamanipulator 610 will be a part of a wireless network. Therefore, a userwill be able to upload the data to the beam projector assembly 1200 froma plurality of nodes in the network (e.g., laptops, desktops, palmtops,mobile phones, or the like). However, unlike the standard use of a beamprojector wherein a computer system is linked with a network and thebeam projector acts only as a monitor for the computer system,embodiments of the invention allow the beam projector assembly 1200 topresent the data on its own. Moreover, in one embodiment, since the datais introduced directly to the beam projector assembly 1200 from a datastorage device (e.g., zip, flash memory, or the like), the data does notneed to be stored on the data manipulator 610. Instead, the data storagedevice provided by the user to the beam projector assembly 1200 acts asthe memory for the data manipulator 610 and no data is stored ortransferred. The data is only acted on by an application within the datamanipulator 610. In so doing, a user can provide their data forpresentation on beam projector assembly 1200 without further securityconcern. In other words, the data will be read by the application butnot stored, copied, or the like.

Although in beam projector assembly 1200 of FIG. 12, the audiocapability device 1010 is shown as being separate and distinct from datamanipulator 610. In one embodiment, audio capability device 1010includes the capabilities of the data manipulator 610. Therefore, thebeam projector assembly 1200 is capable of having only a singlecomputing system (e.g., computing system 800 or 1300) instead of havingboth computing systems 800 and 1300. In another embodiment, the beamprojector assembly 1200 has both audio capability device 1010 and thedata manipulator 610, however, they may share components, e.g., bothsharing only one central processing unit (830 or 1135), RAM (835 or1335), ROM (840 or 1340), signal generating/receiving device (820 or1320), and/or the bus (850 or 1350).

With reference still to FIG. 14 and FIG. 12, an embodiment of theinvention provides a passive cooling system 150 for a light-generatingsource 115 of the beam projector assembly 1200. In one embodiment, thepassive cooling system 150 includes a fluid reservoir 120 proximal tothe light-generating source 115 of the beam projector assembly 1200, thefluid reservoir 120 for storing a low energy state fluid that changes toa higher energy state fluid when it absorbs a heat energy generated bythe light-generating source 115. The passive cooling system 150 alsoincludes a heat pipe 125 coupled with the fluid reservoir 120, the heatpipe 125 transmits the higher energy state fluid. The passive coolingsystem 150 additionally includes a thermal mass 130 coupled with theheat pipe 125, the thermal mass 130 for receiving and dissipating theheat energy released from the higher energy state fluid when it returnsto a lower energy state fluid.

In another embodiment, the beam projector assembly 1200 includes anactive cooling system for the light-generating source 115 of the beam.The active cooling system includes a low speed fan 310 for increasingairflow to the thermal mass 130 coupled with the heat pipe 125. Inanother embodiment, the active cooling system includes a fan 210 forincreasing airflow across the light-generating source 115. In yetanother embodiment, the active cooling system includes both the fan 210for increasing airflow across the light-generating source 115 and thefan 310 for increasing airflow proximal the thermal mass 130. In anotherembodiment, the beam projector assembly 1200 includes both the passivecooling system 150 and the active cooling system to provide a combinedcooling system for the beam projector assembly 1200. In anotherembodiment, beam projector assembly 1200 also includes a battery 410 forpowering the active cooling system when the beam projector assembly 700is unplugged from a primary power source.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide, a method and systemfor a beam projector assembly having an audio capability. Additionally,embodiments provide a method and system for a beam projector assemblyhaving an audio capability that can receive audio commands and/orrequests from a user. Embodiments also provide a method and system for abeam projector assembly having an audio capability that can generateaudio output of status (or other) information. Embodiments furtherprovide a method and system for a beam projector assembly having anaudio capability which allows a plurality of users and/or media sourcesto provide data to the beam projector assembly without an intermediatecomputing system. Embodiments of the present invention further providestorage limitations for data provided to the beam projector assemblythereby reducing the security risks associated with a shared format ofdata presentation.

While the method of the embodiment illustrated in flow charts 500, 900and 1400 show specific sequences and quantity of steps, the presentinvention is suitable to alternative embodiments. For example, not allthe steps provided for in the methods are required for the presentinvention. Furthermore, additional steps can be added to the stepspresented in the present embodiment. Likewise, the sequences of stepscan be modified depending upon the application.

The alternative embodiment(s) of the present invention, a method andsystem for a beam projector assembly having an audio capability, is thusdescribed. While the present invention has been described in particularembodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention shouldnot be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construedaccording to the below claims.

1. A beam projector having an audio capability device, said beamprojector comprising: a central processing unit integral with said beamprojector; a memory portion coupled with said central processing unit;an audio recognition portion coupled with said central processing unit,said audio recognition portion for recognizing audible commands for saidbeam projector; and an audio generating portion coupled with saidcentral processing unit, said audio generating portion providing anaudibly generated output specifying data transfer or display errors ininput or output with respect to said beam projector.
 2. The beamprojector of claim 1 comprising: a signal receiving portion coupled withsaid central processing unit, said signal receiving portion forreceiving data and providing said data to said central processing unitsuch that said central processing unit of said beam projector organizessaid data into a viewable presentation without requiring input from asecondary computing device.
 3. The beam projector of claim 2 whereinsaid signal receiving portion receives signals from the group of signalreceivers consisting of: a universal serial bus (USB), a blue toothdevice, a smart media device, a PCMCIA device, a wireless 802.11aprotocol, a wireless 802.11b protocol, a wireless 802.11g protocol, awireless Ethernet connection, and a wired Ethernet connection.
 4. Thebeam projector of claim 1 further comprising: a beam projector coolingassembly comprising: a fluid reservoir proximal to a light-generatingsource of said beam projector, said fluid reservoir for storing a lowenergy state fluid that changes to a higher energy state fluid when itabsorbs a heat energy generated by said light-generating source; a heatpipe coupled with said fluid reservoir, said heat pipe for transmittingthe higher energy state fluid; and a thermal mass coupled with said heatpipe, said thermal mass for receiving and dissipating the heat energyreleased from the higher energy state fluid when it returns to a lowerenergy state fluid.
 5. The beam projector of 4 further comprising: alight-generating source fan for providing increased airflow proximatesaid light-generating source; and a thermal mass fan for providingincreased airflow proximate said thermal mass coupled with said heatsource.
 6. The beam projector of claim 5 further comprising: a batteryfor powering said light-generating source fan and said thermal mass fanwhen said beam projector is not connected with a primary power source.7. A method for a beam projector having an audio capability devicecomprising: providing a central processing unit integral with the beamprojector; providing a memory portion coupled with said centralprocessing unit; and providing an audio generating portion coupled withsaid central processing unit, said audio generating portion providingaudibly generated output specifying data transfer or display errors ininput or output with respect to said beam projector.
 8. The method asrecited in claim 7 further comprising: providing an audio recognitionportion coupled with said central processing unit, said audiorecognition portion for recognizing audible commands for said beamprojector.
 9. The method as recited in claim 7 further comprising:providing a signal receiving portion coupled with said centralprocessing unit, said signal receiving portion for receiving data andproviding said data to said central processing unit such that saidcentral processing unit of said beam projector organizes said data intoa viewable presentation without requiring input from a secondarycomputing device.
 10. The method as recited in claim 9 wherein saidsignal-receiving portion further comprises: receiving signals from thegroup of signal receivers consisting of: a microphone, a universalserial bus (USB), a blue tooth device, a smart media device, a PCMCIAdevice, a wireless 802.11a protocol, a wireless 802.11b protocol, awireless 802.11g protocol, a wireless Ethernet connection, and a wiredEthernet connection.
 11. The method as recited in claim 7 furthercomprising: providing a passive cooling system for a light-generatingsource of said beam projector said passive cooling system comprising:providing a fluid reservoir proximal to a light-generating source ofsaid beam projector, said fluid reservoir for storing a low energy statefluid that changes to a higher energy state fluid when it absorbs a heatenergy generated by said light-generating source; providing a heat pipecoupled with said fluid reservoir, said heat pipe for transmitting thehigher energy state fluid; and providing a thermal mass coupled withsaid heat pipe, said thermal mass for receiving and dissipating the heatenergy released from the higher energy state fluid when it returns to alower energy state fluid.
 12. The method as recited in claim 11 furthercomprising: providing an active cooling system for said light-generatingsource of said beam, wherein said passive cooling system and said activecooling system provide a combined cooling system for saidlight-generating source of said beam projector.
 13. The method asrecited in claim 12 wherein said providing said active cooling systemfurther comprises: providing a low speed fan for increasing airflow tosaid thermal mass coupled with said heat pipe; and providing a fan forincreasing airflow across said light-generating source.
 14. The methodas recited in claim 12 further comprising: providing a battery forpowering said active cooling system when said beam projector isunplugged from a primary power source.
 15. The method as recited inclaim 7, wherein said audio generation portion provides beam projectorinformation from the group consisting of: transfer information input oroutput, display information input or output, low battery state, lightcondition, optics, central processing unit information, beam projectoroperation issues, and bulb state.
 16. An audio capability deviceconfigured for use in a beam projector, said audio capability devicecomprising: an audio command receiving portion configured to receivebeam projector control commands, said audio command receiving portionconfigured to be coupled with an input unit of the beam projector forreceiving an audio command; an audio recognition portion for recognizingthe audio command received by said audio command receiving portion; aprocessor coupled with said audio recognition portion, said processorconfigured for causing said beam projector to perform said audiocommand; and an audio generating portion configured to be coupled withsaid beam projector processor, said audio generating portion providingan audibly generated output specifying data transfer or display errorsin input or output with respect to said beam projector.
 17. The audiocapability device of claim 16 wherein said audio capability device iscoupled with a beam projector, said beam projector further comprising: apassive cooling system for cooling a light-generating source of saidbeam projector; and an active cooling system, wherein said passivecooling system and said active cooling system provide a combined coolingsystem for said beam projector.
 18. The passive cooling system of claim17 further comprising: a fluid reservoir proximal to a light-generatingsource of said beam projector, said fluid reservoir for storing a lowenergy state fluid that changes to a higher energy state fluid when itabsorbs a heat energy generated by said light-generating source; a heatpipe coupled with said fluid reservoir, said heat pipe for transmittingthe higher energy state fluid; and a thermal mass coupled with said heatpipe, said thermal mass for receiving and dissipating the heat energyreleased from the higher energy state fluid when it returns to a lowerenergy state fluid.
 19. The active cooling system of claim 17 furthercomprising: a battery coupled with said beam projector, said battery forproviding power to said active cooling system when said beam projectoris disconnected from a primary power source.
 20. The beam projector ofclaim 17 further comprising: a signal-receiving portion coupled withsaid beam projector, said signal-receiving portion comprising: receivingsignals from the group of signal receivers consisting of: a universalserial bus (USB), a blue tooth device, a smart media device, a PCMCIAdevice, a wireless 802.11a protocol, a wireless 802.11b protocol, awireless 802.11g protocol, a wireless Ethernet connection, and a wiredEthernet connection.